A prolific offender who declared “it’s Ricky time”, before violently attacking a man at a park has been jailed for nine years.
Ricky Jeans, 37, unemployed, of Westgate, Chichester, has been convicted of two crimes he committed within five days of each other.
Around 6.35pm on 19 September 2020, a man and a woman were chatting on a bench in Hotham Park, Bognor Regis, when they were approached by Jeans, who stated he was in the area to purchase drugs.
Following a brief conversation, the defendant became aggressive and the two friends attempted to leave. At this point, Jeans pushed the man back onto the bench.
The man, aged 22, got up again and tried to fend off Jeans, who then looked at his watch and declared “it’s Ricky time”.
He then tripped the man to the ground and carried out a sustained attack, causing him head and facial injuries which required hospital treatment.
Jeans demanded the friends’ personal belongings, but they were able to get away and call police.
Then around 10.40am on 24 September 2020, Jeans approached a 39-year-old man who was walking along Bognor Road, Chichester, and demanded: “empty your pockets or I’m going to smash you with a hammer”.
The victim was able to run to a nearby shop where he sought refuge, closely followed by Jeans, who was witnessed by several people to be in possession of a hammer.
Following enquiries, Jeans – who had 39 previous convictions for 85 offences – was identified and arrested in Bognor Regis later that evening. He was charged with robbery, possession of an offensive weapon in public and assault by beating.
He was remanded in custody and pleaded guilty to all offences. He appeared before Lewes Crown Court on Thursday 12 August, where he was sentenced to a total of nine years’ imprisonment, comprising of six years in custody and three years on extended licence.
Investigating officer, Detective Constable Jordan Holmes, said: “This investigation took place over a number of months and now justice has truly has been served on Ricky Edward Jeans.
“This is an excellent result for the victims and Jeans pleading guilty to all offences, before the trial, indicates his known involvement.
“It's now Ricky's time to serve his sentence.”
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